Los Angeles Angels’ Albert Pujols jumps out of the way of a wild pitch during the third inning of a spring baseball game against the Oakland Athletics in Mesa, Ariz., Thursday, March 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Los Angeles Angels third baseman Luis Valbuena, left, hugs Oakland Athletics’ Jed Lowrie after a single during the first inning of a spring baseball game in Mesa, Ariz., Thursday, March 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Angels starting pitcher Tyler Skaggs throws to the plate during the second inning of Thursday’s Cactus League game against the Oakland A’s in Mesa, Ariz. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Oakland Athletics’ Matt Olson reacts after striking out during the second inning of a spring baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels in Mesa, Ariz., Thursday, March 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Kendall Graveman throws against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning of a spring baseball game in Mesa, Ariz., Thursday, March 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Los Angeles Angels’ Albert Pujols watches his RBI single against the Oakland Athletics during the first inning of a spring baseball game in Mesa, Ariz., Thursday, March 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout can’t get a glove on a ball hit for triple by Oakland Athletics’ Josh Phegley during the third inning of a spring baseball game in Mesa, Ariz., Thursday, March 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Los Angeles Angels shortstop Andrelton Simmons can’t get a glove on a ball hit by Oakland Athletics’ Marcus Semien during the fifth inning of a spring baseball game in Mesa, Ariz., Thursday, March 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Oakland Athletics’ Marcus Semien, right, is tagged out by Los Angeles Angels second baseman Ian Kinsler while trying to steal during the first inning of a spring baseball game in Mesa, Ariz., Thursday, March 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Oakland Athletics third baseman Sheldon Neuse throws out Los Angeles Angels’ Martin Maldonado at first during the third inning of a spring baseball game in Mesa, Ariz., Thursday, March 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Oakland Athletics’ Josh Phegley hits a triple during the third inning of a spring baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels in Mesa, Ariz., Thursday, March 8, 2018. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

THE GAME: The Angels lost to the A’s 7-3 on Thursday afternoon in Mesa, Ariz., with the teams using most of the players who will be in the lineup when they meet again for the season-opening series in Oakland. The Angels have lost three in a row and five of seven to fall to 6-8.

PITCHING REPORT: Left-hander Tyler Skaggs gave up two runs, including one that scored after he was finished with his 3-2/3 innings. Skaggs struck out four. Skaggs said he’s been happy with the progress of a changeup he’s trying to add to his fastball and curve this spring. “I can be a two-pitch pitcher, but I can only go so far doing that,” he said. “I need to make a cognizant effort to throw it, even if I’m not throwing it for a strike. Just keep throwing it to show these guys. I’ve thrown against (two) AL West teams. I need to put it in their head that I have it.” Skaggs’ last two starts have been against the Seattle Mariners and A’s. After a likely intrasquad start on the Angels’ off day next week, Skaggs would be in line to face the Texas Rangers on March 18… Right-hander Keynan Middleton, who entered with the Angels leading 3-2, gave up four runs in an inning. He had not allowed a run in any of his first three innings. … Left-hander Jose Alvarez struck out the side in a scoreless inning. He has not allowed a run in four innings this spring. … Right-hander Noe Ramirez allowed the A’s to steal three bases in the seventh inning. Catcher Juan Graterol made perfect throws on two of them. … Right-hander Felix Peña pitched a scoreless inning. He has not allowed a run in five innings, with seven strikeouts.

HITTING REPORT: Ian Kinsler walked and doubled and scored two more runs. He’s 4 for 11 with five walks this spring. Kinsler also aggressively took third on a ground ball to third baseman Sheldon Neuse, breaking from second after Neuse threw the ball and beating the relay back across the diamond. Kinsler then scored on a bloop single. … Luis Valbuena attempted to bunt for a hit for the second time this spring, but this time pitcher Kendall Graveman threw him out. Valbuena said he’s going to try to bunt for a few more hits this year when teams shift against him. … The Angels scored three runs in 2-2/3 innings against Graveman, who is likely to be the A’s opening day starter against the Angels.

DEFENSE REPORT: Catcher Martin Maldonado nailed Marcus Semien trying to steal second in the first inning. … Mike Trout made a lunging catch in the gap in right-center field. He also had to leap for a line drive.

UP NEXT: Angels (Matt Shoemaker) vs. Cubs (Jon Lester), Friday, noon PT, Sloan Park, Fox Sports West/KLAA (830 AM). The Angels will also have a squad face the Tijuana Toros of the Mexican League in an exhibition at Tempe Diablo Stadium, with Shohei Ohtani starting. That game, which starts at 11 a.m. PT, will not be televised in the United States.